Dielectric optical waveguide joints

Abstract

A dielectric optical waveguide joint in which first and second dielectric optical waveguides are located end to end in a groove in a plate of non-ductile material. The dielectric optical waveguides are retained in the groove by a mass of ductile material which has been formed so as to flow into intimate contact with the plate and the first and second waveguides. The invention also provides a method of forming a waveguide joint.

I claim: 
     
       1. A dielectric optical wave-guide joint comprising: a plate of non-ductile material having a groove disposed on a first face thereof and at least one cavity in said plate opening through said first face and having at least a portion which is undercut with respect to said face;   first and second dielectric optical wave-guides located in said groove in axial alignment and with their ends abutting;   a mass of ductile material which has been simultaneously pressure-formed into intimate contact with said wave-guides and into rigid attachment with said plate filling said cavity, said mass being the sole means for retaining said wave-guides in axially aligned abutting relationship and in said groove.   
     
     
       2. A dielectric optical wave-guide joint as defined by claim 1, wherein said cavity is a hole passing through said plate from said face to a second face, said hole being wider at said second face then said first face. 
     
     
       3. A dielectric optical waveguide joint as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ductile material is pure tin. 
     
     
       4. A dielectric optical waveguide joint as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ductile material is indium. 
     
     
       5. A method of joining two dielectric optical wave-guides comprising: providing a non-ductile plate with a groove on one face thereof and at least one cavity opening through said face and having a portion which is undercut with respect to said face;   positioning two dielectric optical wave-guides in said groove in axially aligned abutting relation;   placing a mass of ductile material on said face of said plate over-lying said wave-guides; and   deforming said mass by pressure into intimate contact with said wave-guides and into rigid attachment with said plate filling said cavity.   
     
     
       6. A method as defined by claim 5 in which said cavity extends completely through said plate and is wider at the other face than at said one face. 
     
     
       7. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein said ductile material is pure tin. 
     
     
       8. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein said ductile material is indium.